It takes a whole lot of courage to be like Mika Reyes.
When a lot of people go out of their way everyday to tell you that you don’t deserve your World’s selection, it should go to your head. But Reyes, instead, provided the thousands of local fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena a lot of reasons to cheer.
In F2 Logistics-PSL Manila’s maiden match of the 2016 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship, Reyes scored just two points. But for the fans, seeing their longtime idol have fun under the World’s spotlight was enough reason for her supporters to cheer.
For her part, the three-time UAAP champion was also just happy to get a few minutes on the court against world-class competition.
“It’s a privilege and I’m so proud that I’m part of this team and binigyan nila kami ng chance,” the 5’11 middle hitter said.
“Nagenjoy ako sobra. Ang taas ng adrenaline ko. Enjoy kasi walang pressure unlike any other leagues na I have to perform well ganun ganun pero ngayon parang I have to play my best and enjoy the game.”
Reyes added that she did not feel too daunted standing across the net from Brazilians.
“Intimidate is not the term for that. For me more on nachallenge ako na ma-reach yung reach din nila pero siyempre hindi naman sa lahat ng oras maaabot mo din parang at least nakakasabay,” the PSL ambassador claimed.
The goal now for Reyes and her teammates is to put on a better show for the fans who spent good money to watch them.
“Siyempre first game siguro tight pa rin hindi ganon kaano. Pero hopefully mapakita namin yung laro namin and mas mag-enjoy yung crowd sa pagsupport sa amin.”
